Evil Under the Sun Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Poirot goes on vacation, someone dies, and suddenly, he’s gotta cancel his tan to catch the killer, because apparently, murder mysteries don’t solve themselves.

🍿 Evil Under the Sun: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup

Hercule Poirot is first approached by an insurance company investigating a suspicious death on the moors and the subsequent insurance claim. Simultaneously, Sir Horace Blatt seeks Poirot’s help in recovering a stolen diamond he gifted to actress Arlena Marshall. These seemingly unrelated cases set the stage for a Mediterranean mystery.

Arrival on the Island

Poirot finds himself at a luxurious island resort in the Adriatic, where Arlena Marshall is vacationing with her husband, Kenneth, and stepdaughter, Linda. The island, managed by the former mistress of a Balkan king, Daphne Castle, is filled with a cast of characters who seem to have a motive to dislike Arlena.

Tensions Rise

Arlena’s abrasive personality and open affair with Patrick Redfern inflame tensions among the guests. Her refusal to participate in a stage show angers the Gardners, while her denial of Rex Brewster’s request to write her biography fuels his resentment. The strained atmosphere culminates in Arlena’s murder.

The Murder and Investigation

Arlena is found strangled on the beach, and Poirot takes on the case. He meticulously investigates each guest, finding that everyone has a seemingly airtight alibi. The challenge for Poirot is to unravel the complex web of deceit and uncover the truth behind Arlena’s murder.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov): A renowned Belgian detective investigating a murder at a Mediterranean resort.
• Arlena Marshall (Diana Rigg): A hated actress who becomes the victim of a murder on a remote island.
• Patrick Redfern (Nicholas Clay): A charming and handsome man involved in an affair with the murdered actress.
• Christine Redfern (Jane Birkin): The shy and overlooked wife of Patrick Redfern, harboring a secret.
• Daphne Castle (Maggie Smith): The witty and observant owner of the island resort.
• Odell Gardener (James Mason): A theatrical producer with a past grievance against Arlena Marshall.
• Rex Brewster (Roddy McDowall): An author denied the rights to Arlena Marshall’s biography.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Arlena Stuart Marshall: “Oh, dear! I’m the last to arrive.” – Arlena says this dramatically upon entering the cocktail party, showcasing her theatrical personality.
• Daphne Castle: “Have a sausage, dear.” – Daphne’s sarcastic reply to Arlena is the beginning of their ongoing battle of dry wit and passive-aggressive insults.
• Hercule Poirot: “These people are like slabs of meat, lying in the sun to grill!” – Poirot observes the sunbathers, commenting on their seemingly idle and superficial existences.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,110,000
• Worldwide Gross: $6,110,804

💥 Evil Under the Sun Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! Peter Ustinov is fantastic as Poirot, and the setting is gorgeous. The back-and-forth between Diana Rigg and Maggie Smith is pure gold – their scenes together had me laughing out loud. I also have to admit I had a real crush on Nicholas Clay’s character back in the day. It all builds to such a satisfying conclusion, and the Cole Porter soundtrack just ties everything together so perfectly. It’s my comfort film!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Agatha Christie adaptations”
  • “Viewers who enjoy classic murder mysteries”
  • “Those who appreciate films with ensemble casts and exotic locations”
  • “Individuals seeking light-hearted entertainment with a touch of suspense”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Murder”
  • “Adultery”
  • “Some suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A diverting whodunit elevated by its glamorous setting and Ustinov’s charming Poirot. The ensemble cast, particularly Rigg and Smith, deliver deliciously catty performances. However, the plot occasionally meanders, and the solution feels somewhat contrived.
• The New York Times: “While not as strong as ‘Death on the Nile,’ ‘Evil Under the Sun’ offers a pleasant escape. The sunny locale and Cole Porter soundtrack are undeniable assets. Though some may find the pacing uneven, Ustinov once again embodies Poirot with wit and intelligence.

Audience Reactions

The witty dialogue and catty exchanges between Diana Rigg and Maggie Smith were hilarious.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s clever mystery, beautiful Mediterranean scenery, and exceptional performances from the cast, especially Diana Rigg and Maggie Smith.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and entertaining Agatha Christie adaptation with a strong cast and a delightful sense of humor. While the plot may not be Christie’s most intricate, the film offers a satisfying and enjoyable cinematic experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Despite not being in the original novel, early versions of the script included the character of Colonel Race, played by David Niven in Death on the Nile (1978). Niven was offered to return but had to decline due to his failing health.”
• “The film relocates the story from the Devon coast in England to an island in the Adriatic Sea, which was filmed in Majorca, Spain. This change of setting gave the film a sun-drenched and glamorous visual style.”
• “The opening credits feature watercolors by British architect and artist, Sir Hugh Casson, who taught King Charles III to paint. The titles for each actor feature an item of costume, prop or setting relevant to their character.”

🖥️ How to Watch Evil Under the Sun?

Evil Under the Sun is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for television airings. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray may also be available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Evil Under the Sun, you might like these similar films:

• Death on the Nile (1978): Another Agatha Christie adaptation featuring Hercule Poirot solving a murder amongst a group of suspects in a luxurious setting.
• Murder on the Orient Express (1974): A classic whodunit based on Agatha Christie’s novel, with a large cast of suspects and a memorable setting.
• The Mirror Crack’d (1980): Another Agatha Christie adaptation, this one featuring Miss Marple investigating a murder in a star-studded cast.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a quirky detective and a cast of eccentric suspects, offering a fresh take on the classic genre.

🛒 Evil Under the Sun Related Products

• Agatha Christie: Hercule Poirot – The Complete Collection: Stream every Poirot episode in stunning quality, including David Suchet’s acclaimed adaptation of ‘Evil Under the Sun’. Delve into the intricate mysteries and timeless charm of Agatha Christie’s greatest detective.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot: Add a touch of mystery to your collection with this Funko Pop! featuring Hercule Poirot. A must-have for fans of Agatha Christie and collectors alike, capturing the essence of the iconic detective.
• The Complete Poirot Short Stories: Delve deeper into Poirot’s world with all of Agatha Christie’s short stories featuring the brilliant detective. Uncover hidden clues and enjoy hours of reading pleasure.
• Evil Under the Sun [Blu-ray]: The Peter Ustinov version. Now available in high-definition Blu-ray, providing enhanced visuals and audio for a more immersive viewing experience. Relive the mystery with stunning clarity.

🎧 Soundtrack

Evil Under the Sun features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You’re the Top” – performed by Diana Rigg
• “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” – performed by Cole Porter
• “Night and Day” – performed by Cole Porter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Evil Under The Sun | Soundtrack Suite (Cole Porter & John Lanchbery)

Ever wondered how the music in ‘Evil Under the Sun’ made you feel so transported? This soundtrack suite breaks down the incredible score by Cole Porter and John Lanchbery. I personally think it’s amazing how well the music captures the sunny but mysterious vibe of the movie!

✨ Rate